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Student, staff, and parent perceptions of the reasons for ethnic conflict between Armenian and Latino students

STUDENT, STAFF, AND PARENT PERCEPTIONS OF THE REASONS FOR
ETHNIC CONFLICT BETWEEN ARMENIAN AND LATINO STUDENTS
by
Harry Sahag Bedevian
A Dissertation Presented to the
FACULTY OF THE ROSSIER SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION
May 2008
Copyright 2008 Harry Bedevian

In California s public school districts, ethnic conflict between Armenian and Latino students is a growing crisis that has resulted in increased tension and even in death. This study investigated perceptions of individuals across the educational spectrum regarding the causes of such conflict. The inclusion of parents in this study was of particular importance, as they are often ignored or their thoughts considered irrelevant.; The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine the perceptions of students, staff, and parents in regard to the reasons for the conflict. To this end, the study answered three research questions: (1) What are student, staff, and parent perceptions of the reasons for recent incidents of violence between Armenian and Latino students on or near their school campuses? (2) To what extent are the explanations for ethnic violence the same within and between Armenian and Latino groups? Do age, gender, immigration status, and other variables play a significant role in making a difference in how respondents describe the conflict? (3) How can the views of youth, school staff, and parents inform policy and help develop better prevention practices?; A semi-structured interview was used to determine participant perceptions. A number of significant findings emerged. First, participants perceived that both Armenians and Latinos thought they were better than the other. Second, participants believed that Latinos provoked Armenian males and females, spoke unfavorably about them, and cursed in front of Armenian females. Third, participants felt that Armenians belittled Latinos, showed off, were racist, and were "financial exhibitionists." Fourth, participants suggested that parents needed to communicate with their children about being tolerant and accepting of other cultures. Finally,participants called for all students to engage in more culture-learning and relationship-shaping activities as means to preventing ethnic conflict. They also felt that schools needed to be more proactive in regard to conflict and to offer events that promote cultural awareness. It was the researcher's intention that findings from this study would be used in the decision and policy-making meetings of school officials and heads of family households to ensure the safety and harmony of our schools and community.

STUDENT, STAFF, AND PARENT PERCEPTIONS OF THE REASONS FOR
ETHNIC CONFLICT BETWEEN ARMENIAN AND LATINO STUDENTS
by
Harry Sahag Bedevian
A Dissertation Presented to the
FACULTY OF THE ROSSIER SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION
May 2008
Copyright 2008 Harry Bedevian